Sociocultural Issues & the Therapeutic Relationship

Dec 14

Written By Gestalt Associates for Psychotherapy

This course explores the many ways that issues of “culture” influence the frame of psychotherapy and the relationship between client and therapist. A historical context is provided to help define “Multiculturalism, Biculturalism and Interculturalism” as discussed in the literature. A psychoanalytic perspective on the issues is then provided. Next, an analysis is provided by several Gestalt therapists. Emphasis is then given to issues of particular relevance to therapists in the United States; that is, therapist and client field-related issues with regard to race and ethnicity. Finally, the course looks at social action as it relates to Gestalt therapy theory and to our role as Gestalt therapists.